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The new Intel 7-series Chipset family is now available
and shipping in Intel's mobile and desktop OEM systems
and motherboards worldwide.

These new chipsets provide the companion logic to the 2nd
Generation Intel Core processors today (Sandy Bridge) and
will support the 3rd Generation Intel Core processor
family (codenamed Ivy Bridge) later in Q2. They also
integrate USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt, enable technologies
like Intel Smart Response, Intel Smart Connect, and Intel
Rapid Start in desktop and mobile platforms.

For PC platform, the 7-series Chipset family includes the
Z77 and Z75 Express chipsets.

The combination of the Intel Z77 and Z75 Express Chipsets
and 3rd generation Intel Core processors offer smart
features like Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and Intel
Hyper-Threading Technology. Intel Smart Connect
Technology enables instant access to data by allowing
content to be refreshed in the standby power state - all
while minimizing power consumption. In addition to faster
boot and resume times, Intel Rapid Start Technology
provides energy effciency. The Intel Z77 Express Chipset
also features Intel Smart Response Technology that
delivers faster application loading.

The Intel Z77 and Z75 Express Chipsets enable the
performance tuning features of unlocked Intel Core
processors, allowing the user to change the core
multiplier to increase frequencies without having to run
any other part of the system above specifcations.

The Intel Z77 and Z75 Express Chipsets integrate several
capabilities to provide fexibility for connecting I/O
devices, including integrated USB 3.0 support and the
latest Intel Rapid Storage Technology, which enables the
full Serial ATA (SATA) interface speed of up to 6 Gb/s to
support next-generation Solid State Drives (SSDs) and
traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). In addition, the new
chipsets drive lower power through enhanced link power
management of the Advanced Host Controller Interface
(AHCI), enable easier expandability with support for
native hot plug, and enhance boot and multitasking
performance with Native Command Queuing (NCQ). Intel
Rapid Recover Technology (part of the Intel Rapid Storage
Technology suite) provides a fast method for the end user
to recover their data and return their system to an
operational status.

Intel also annoucned the Intel H77 Express Chipset, which
offers most of the features of the Z77 and Z75 chips
(Intel Turbo Boost 2.0, Intel Hyper-Threading, Intel
Smart Response, Intel Quick Sync Video, InTru 3D, Intel
WiDi, Intel Rapid Storage), but it doesn't support CPU
overclocking. Below you see a comparison among the new
chipsets with Intel's previous models:

Intel Chipset Comparison

Z77

Z75

H77

Z68

P67

H67

CPU Support

IVB
LGA-1155

IVB
LGA-1155

IVB
LGA-1155

SNB/IVB
LGA-1155

SNB/IVB
LGA-1155

SNB/IVB
LGA-1155

CPU Overclocking

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

CPU PCIe Config

1 x16 or
2 x8 or
1 x8 + 2 x4
PCIe 3.0

1 x16 or
2 x8 PCIe 3.0

1 x16 PCIe 3.0

1 x16 or
2 x8 or
1 x8 + 2 x4
PCIe 3.0

1 x16 or
2 x8 PCIe 3.0

1 x16 PCIe 3.0

Processor Graphics Support

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Intel SRT (SSD caching)

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

RAID Support

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

USB 2.0 Ports (3.0)

14 (4)

14 (4)

14 (4)

14

14

14

SATA Total (Max Number of 6Gbps Ports)

6 (2)

6 (2)

6 (2)

6 (2)

6 (2)

6 (2)

PCIe Lanes

8 (5GT/s)

8 (5GT/s)

8 (5GT/s)

8 (5GT/s)

8 (5GT/s)

8 (5GT/s)

The Intel 7-series chipsets will be backwards compatible
with the Sandy Bridge (Intel 2nd Generation Core
Microarchitecture) processors. All motherboard vendors
should have this functionality built into their BIOSes.
In addition, specific Intel 6-series chipsets (P67, Z68)
should be forwards compatible with the Ivy Bridge
processors, pending a BIOS update.

For laptops and ultrabooks, Intel also today released the HM77, UM77 HM76 and the HM75 Express Chipsets, which will operate with Intel's upcoming low-power Ivy Bridge processors. New features packed into the ultrabook platform include the Intel Identity Protection Technology, Intel RapidStart technology for fast resumes from hibernation (5-8 sec), Intel SmartConnect technology for always updated applications through the cloud and Intel SmartResponse technology for caching frequently used files in an attached SSD and enjoy faster system performance:

Up to six SATA ports with up to two ports supporting 6 Gb/s transfer rates.

Intel integrated 10/100/1000 MAC

Support for the Intel 82579V Gigabit Network Connection

Intel Small Business Advantage

Yes

No

No

No

Packaging Information

25 x 25 x 1.788 mm in BGA package

Intel UM77 express chipset

Intel HM77 express chipset

Intel HM76 express chipset

Intel HM75 express chipset

Currently at the second generation based on the Ivy Bridge platform, Intel's "baseline" requirements for 2012's Ultrabooks include devices that will be security-ready (Intel Anto-theft and Identify Protection technologies through BIOS update), will have more than 5 hours battery life and will start up in less than 7 seconds. Limitatons also apply to the physical dimensions of 2012's ultrabooks, with a 21mm max thickness for systems with displays bigger than 14 inches and a 18mm max thickness for systems with displays smaller that 14 inches. Intel's recommended specs are even stricter, with mandatory security features built in and more than 8 hours battery life required.